The Glory of the Cross

Revelation of God's Love and Source of Life
by John P. Joy (16 April 2008)

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

~ John 1:14

At the heart of the Gospel according to John is inscribed a remarkable paradox: the Passion of Jesus Christ, seemingly so inglorious, is the very hour of his glory. Although full comprehension of the mirabile mysterium salutis must always elude us in this life, some light may be shed on the paradoxical glory of the Cross through a consideration of the work of atonement that Christ accomplished thereupon. In narrating the Passion and death of our Lord, the Evangelist draws attention to an especially illuminating Old Testament text: the Day of Atonement ritual described in Leviticus (ch. 16). By viewing the Cross through the lens of this text, the propitiatory power of Christ's blood comes into sharp focus, and the glory of the Cross shines out in the work of atonement like so many streams of light flowing forth from the sacred wounds of Christ: for in his death Christ glorifies the Father by revealing the depths of his love, and is glorified by the Father in being made the source of life for men.

To read the rest of this paper, click here: On Glory in the Gospel according to John